American journalist was warned of threats being kidnapping in Baghdad
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- American journalist Shelly Renee Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad after entering Iraq on a single-entry visa; she had previously been turned back at the Syria-Iraq border due to lack of a press permit and security concerns.
- Kittleson had been warned multiple times by U.S. officials about threats from Iran-affiliated militias before her abduction, with one suspect arrested and interrogated by Iraqi security forces.
- Iraqi authorities believe Kittleson is being held in Baghdad and are actively working to locate and secure her release, while U.S. officials suspect the Iran-linked militia Kataib Hezbollah is responsible.
- Surveillance footage shows two men forcibly placing Kittleson into a vehicle during the kidnapping, which occurred amid ongoing attacks by Iran-backed militias on U.S. targets in Iraq.
- Kittleson's family expressed fear and concern, with her mother emphasizing her daughter's dedication to journalism despite the dangers in the region.
